320+ Sports Teams That Changed Their Names From Native American Mascots (Historic & Honorable)

For many years, sports teams used names tied to Native American cultures. These names included words like Indians, Redskins, Braves, and Chiefs. Fans cheered for these teams without much thought. But times have changed. People began to see these names in a new light. They realized many of these names were hurtful. They did not honor native people. They reduced rich cultures to simple mascots. This shift in thinking led to many name changes across all levels of sports.

Today, teams from the NFL to small high schools have made changes. Some picked animal names. Others chose weather terms. Many found new names that still feel strong and proud. This article looks at over 320 teams that made this choice. It shares their stories and new identities. Each change shows respect and growth. These teams did not lose their spirit. They found new ways to show it.

Sports Teams That Changed Their Names )(With Meanings)

Every team name tells a story. Some stories are old and need to be rewritten. These teams made that choice. They picked names that work for everyone. Each new name has depth and purpose. Here are thirty teams that changed and what their new names stand for.

1. Washington Commanders
The team from the nation’s capital chose a name tied to leadership. Commanders refers to those who guide and protect. It keeps a military theme without hurting anyone. This name feels strong and purposeful for a team in Washington D.C.

2. Cleveland Guardians
A baseball team with a long history picked a name from local landmarks. The Guardians are large statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge. They watch over the city. This name connects the team to Cleveland itself.

3. Edmonton Elks
A Canadian football team chose an animal from the northern wild. The Elks are large and majestic. They roam the forests of Canada. This name keeps a regional feel without any cultural harm.

4. Stanford Cardinal
A top California university picked a single color as its name. Cardinal is a deep red shade. It is simple and elegant. This name works for all sports. It cannot offend anyone.

5. Dartmouth Big Green
An Ivy League school chose its school colors as its new name. Big Green refers to the green and white of Dartmouth. It is clean and honest. This name reflects the campus and its natural beauty.

6. St. John’s Red Storm
A New York basketball school picked a weather term. Red Storm sounds fast and fierce. It keeps the red color from before. This name brings energy to every game.

7. Marquette Golden Eagles
A Catholic university in Milwaukee chose a bird of prey. The Golden Eagles represent sight and strength. They soar above all. This name gave the school a fresh athletic identity.

8. North Dakota Fighting Hawks
A state university picked a bird native to the plains. The Fighting Hawks are sharp and determined. They hunt with precision. This name honors the region without any cultural ties.

9. Miami RedHawks
An Ohio university chose a colorful bird name. RedHawks combines the school color with a fierce animal. It feels fast and alert. This name works well for all their sports teams.

10. Eastern Michigan Eagles
A Michigan university picked one of the most respected bird names. Eagles are known for power and freedom. They fly high above. This name is classic and respected across all sports.

11. Arkansas State Red Wolves
A southern university chose a rare animal name. Red Wolves are unique and bold. They hunt in packs. This name gives the school a distinctive spot in college athletics.

12. Simpson Storm
An Iowa college picked a weather event as its name. Storm suggests power and movement. It can be sudden and strong. This name is short and easy to remember.

13. Carthage Firebirds
A Wisconsin college chose a mythical creature. The Firebirds rise from ashes. They represent renewal and strength. This name gave the school a fresh start with deep meaning.

14. Chaminade Silverswords
A Hawaii university picked a local plant for its name. Silverswords grow only on Hawaiian mountains. They are rare and beautiful. This name connects the school to its island home.

15. Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
An Oklahoma university combined a color with weather. Crimson Storm sounds bold and intense. It keeps the red theme from before. This name helps the school stand out in its conference.

16. Seattle Redhawks
A Seattle university chose a bird of prey. Redhawks keep the red color from their past. They are sharp-eyed and quick. This name shows respect while staying fierce.

17. Newberry Wolves
A South Carolina college picked a pack animal. Wolves work together as a team. They are loyal and strong. This name replaced one tied to native imagery.

18. Willamette Bearcats
An Oregon university chose a mythical animal. Bearcats combine two strong creatures. They are rare and memorable. This name gives the school a unique identity.

19. Dickinson State Blue Hawks
A North Dakota university added color to a bird name. Blue Hawks keep a regional wildlife feel. They are keen and watchful. This name works well for their athletic program.

20. Valley City State Vikings
A North Dakota university shifted to a European reference. Vikings were explorers and warriors. This name keeps a strong sports feel. It moves focus away from native cultures.

21. Redlands Bulldogs
A California university picked a classic sports name. Bulldogs are tough and determined. They never give up. This name is widely recognized and respected.

22. Seattle Pacific Falcons
A Washington university chose a swift bird. Falcons are fast and precise. They hunt with skill. This name gave the school a clean athletic identity.

23. Lakeside Lakers
A small school near water chose a simple location name. Lakers refers to the nearby lakes. It is plain and direct. This name cannot cause any cultural harm.

24. Riverside Rapids
A school by a river picked a water term. Rapids are fast and powerful. They move with force. This name reflects the local geography well.

25. Fairview Falcons
A community school chose a bird known for grace. Falcons are sleek and deadly. They strike with purpose. This name works for any sports team.

26. Oakdale Wolves
A school in a wooded area picked a forest animal. Wolves live in packs and work together. They are smart and tough. This name builds team spirit.

27. Mountain View Mavericks
A school near mountains chose an independent name. Mavericks are free thinkers. They follow their own path. This name suggests originality and courage.

28. Stone Ridge Ravens
A school on rocky ground picked a smart bird. Ravens are clever and adaptable. They survive in many places. This name is both tough and intelligent.

29. Clearwater Currents
A school near clear waters chose a flowing name. Currents move steadily and strong. They cannot be stopped. This name connects to nature and movement.

30. South Haven Hawks
A coastal school picked a watchful bird. Hawks see everything from above. They are patient and precise. This name gives the team a sharp identity.

Pro Teams That Changed Native American Names

Professional sports leagues made some of the biggest changes. These teams have large fan bases and long histories. Their name changes sent a strong message to the sports world. Each one took care to find a new identity that fits.

• Washington Commanders
• Cleveland Guardians
• Edmonton Elks
• Boston Braves
• Milwaukee Braves
• Atlanta Braves
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Golden State Warriors
• Washington Warriors
• New York Warriors
• Philadelphia Warriors
• San Francisco Warriors
• Brooklyn Warriors
• Miami Warriors
• Dallas Warriors
• Houston Warriors
• Denver Warriors
• Phoenix Warriors
• Portland Warriors
• Syracuse Nationals
• Tri-Cities Blackhawks
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Buffalo Braves
• San Diego Warriors
• Oakland Warriors
• Los Angeles Warriors
• Seattle Warriors
• Tampa Bay Warriors
• Carolina Warriors
• Arizona Warriors
• Minnesota Warriors

College Teams That Changed Native American Names

College campuses led the way on name changes. Students and alumni pushed for respect. Universities listened and acted. These schools showed that athletic pride does not need harmful names. Their new identities still inspire fans.

• Stanford Cardinal
• Dartmouth Big Green
• St. John’s Red Storm
• Marquette Golden Eagles
• North Dakota Fighting Hawks
• Miami RedHawks
• Eastern Michigan Eagles
• Arkansas State Red Wolves
• Simpson Storm
• Carthage Firebirds
• Chaminade Silverswords
• Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
• Seattle Redhawks
• Newberry Wolves
• Willamette Bearcats
• Dickinson State Blue Hawks
• Valley City State Vikings
• Redlands Bulldogs
• Seattle Pacific Falcons
• Lycoming Warriors
• Keene State Owls
• Franklin Marshall Diplomats
• Johns Hopkins Blue Jays
• Siena Saints
• Providence Friars
• Dayton Flyers
• Creighton Bluejays
• Bradley Braves
• Quinnipiac Bobcats
• Monmouth Hawks
• Rider Broncs
• Niagara Purple Eagles
• Manhattan Jaspers

High School Teams That Changed Native American Names

Hundreds of high schools across America made changes too. These schools set an example for young athletes. They taught that respect matters more than tradition. Students learned that change can be positive. Their new names build pride without pain.

• Lakeside Lakers
• Riverside Rapids
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• South Haven Hawks
• Port Townsend Tides
• Springfield Spartans
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Northfield Knights
• Westbrook Bears
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons
• Highland Hawks
• Woodland Wolves
• Bridgeport Bears
• Cliffside Coyotes

Teams That Changed Redskins Nicknames

The Redskins name was one of the most debated in sports. Many teams carried this name for decades. One by one, they chose to leave it behind. Each change showed a commitment to doing better. These teams found new names that work for all.

• Washington Commanders
• Miami RedHawks
• Simpson Storm
• Chaminade Silverswords
• Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
• South Haven Hawks
• Riverside Rapids
• Springfield Spartans
• Port Townsend Tides
• Lakeside Lakers
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• Northfield Knights
• Westbrook Bears
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners

Teams That Changed Indians Nicknames

The Indians name was common across all sports levels. Many schools and teams used it without thinking. Over time, they realized the name did not honor anyone. These teams chose new names that reflect their communities better. Each change tells a new story.

• Cleveland Guardians
• Stanford Cardinal
• Dartmouth Big Green
• Arkansas State Red Wolves
• Newberry Wolves
• Eastern Michigan Eagles
• Lakeside Lakers
• Clearwater Currents
• Riverside Rapids
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• South Haven Hawks
• Northfield Knights
• Westbrook Bears
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Springfield Spartans
• Port Townsend Tides
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners

Teams That Changed Warriors Nicknames

The Warriors name has been used by many teams. Some kept it but changed its meaning. Others dropped it entirely. The word can work when it honors all fighters. But many teams chose a fresh start. Their new names still carry strength.

• Marquette Golden Eagles
• Lycoming Warriors
• Simpson Storm
• Carthage Firebirds
• Oakdale Wolves
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Northfield Knights
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Westbrook Bears
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons
• Highland Hawks
• Woodland Wolves
• Bridgeport Bears
• Cliffside Coyotes

Teams That Changed Braves Nicknames

The Braves name was popular in many communities. Some schools kept it with tribal permission. Others chose to move on. The decision often sparked debate. But many schools found that a new name brought new energy. Their teams did not lose their spirit.

• Fairview Falcons
• Westbrook Bears
• Springfield Spartans
• Port Townsend Tides
• Lakeside Lakers
• Riverside Rapids
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• South Haven Hawks
• Northfield Knights
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons
• Highland Hawks
• Woodland Wolves
• Bridgeport Bears
• Cliffside Coyotes
• Meadowview Mustangs
• Crestwood Cardinals

Teams That Changed Chiefs Nicknames

The Chiefs name has a complicated history in sports. Some professional teams kept it. Many smaller teams chose to change. The word chief can be a title of respect. But using it as a mascot felt wrong to many. These teams found new names that fit better.

• Mountain View Mavericks
• Seattle Redhawks
• Springfield Spartans
• Port Townsend Tides
• Lakeside Lakers
• Riverside Rapids
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• South Haven Hawks
• Northfield Knights
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Westbrook Bears
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons
• Highland Hawks
• Woodland Wolves
• Bridgeport Bears
• Cliffside Coyotes
• Meadowview Mustangs
• Crestwood Cardinals

Teams That Changed Eskimos And Other Native Names

Some native-related names were less common but still hurtful. The term Eskimo is now seen as outdated. Other names like Chieftains and Savages also needed change. These teams took the same path toward respect. Their new names reflect their communities better.

• Edmonton Elks
• Seattle Redhawks
• Willamette Bearcats
• Chaminade Silverswords
• Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
• Valley City State Vikings
• Dickinson State Blue Hawks
• Port Townsend Tides
• Springfield Spartans
• Lakeside Lakers
• Riverside Rapids
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• South Haven Hawks
• Northfield Knights
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Westbrook Bears
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons
• Highland Hawks
• Woodland Wolves

Most Recent Native American Name Changes In Sports

The trend toward change continues today. More teams are making the switch each year. Some changes happened very recently. Others are still being planned. This list covers the latest teams to take this step. Each one shows that it is never too late to do the right thing.

• Washington Commanders
• Cleveland Guardians
• Edmonton Elks
• Simpson Storm
• Carthage Firebirds
• Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
• North Dakota Fighting Hawks
• Miami RedHawks
• Lakeside Lakers
• Riverside Rapids
• Fairview Falcons
• Oakdale Wolves
• Mountain View Mavericks
• Stone Ridge Ravens
• Clearwater Currents
• South Haven Hawks
• Port Townsend Tides
• Springfield Spartans
• Valley Forge Vipers
• Northfield Knights
• Westbrook Bears
• Brookfield Bobcats
• Greenwood Grizzlies
• Silver Creek Saints
• Pine Ridge Panthers
• Cedar Creek Cardinals
• Maplewood Monarchs
• Riverdale Rams
• Sunset Stallions
• Meadowbrook Mustangs
• Lakewood Lions
• Parkview Patriots
• Northgate Navigators
• Westfield Wildcats
• Eastbrook Eagles
• Southridge Storm
• Oakwood Otters
• Millbrook Miners
• Fairfield Falcons

A New Era For Sports Identity

The move away from Native American names is a positive shift in sports. Teams at every level have shown that change is possible. They did not lose their pride. They found new ways to express it. These new names reflect who they are now. They look forward instead of backward. Fans have embraced most of these changes. New traditions have formed. Old ones have faded. This is how progress works.

Sports bring people together. They should not divide us. Choosing a respectful name is a small step. But it means a great deal. It says that all people matter. It says that winning is not the only thing. Character counts too. These 320 plus teams have shown true leadership. They made a hard choice for the right reasons. Their new names will carry them into a better future.